Oxfam Bloggers Against Povery Project!
I don’t think any parent can watch or hear about the struggles some nations face regarding lack of water, food and education without feeling completely pulled in every direction. Knowing we have water on tap, a roof over our heads and food in our cupboards makes it all the more difficult to put ourselves in the position of those in need.
Oxfam have launched a new initiative to highlight the ongoing problems faced by parents and raising children in these countries. One story I read was about Salama and her baby Hama who live in Niger. Having given birth to Hama without issue, Salama then faced a harsh reality that she was unable to nutritionally provide for her son.
Salama (38) and Hama, her baby boy, 9 months at their home in Azel. The father is Agalher, a gardener.
Salama’s Story, in her Words
“Hama suffered from a fever, diarrhoea and vomiting. He would have brief periods of health and then get sick again, so I brought him into the clinic. “He was given paracetamol and rehydration, but 6 months later he was diagnosed with malnutrition. He received treatment and responded well. He’s ok at the moment, is still sick occasionally. “The availability of the clinic is a great thing for us. Before, we had to get to Agadez town. It was impossibly expensive to travel, then accommodation and food. But now this service is here, it’s much more doable.” “We are completely delighted to get the water system in our health centre – before it was here we had to go to the neighbouring village to fetch water for going to the treatment centre. It was difficult for the nurse to really look after us. Now, they can wash our babies when they have diarrhea. There’s a laundry system and everything is sanitary.” “We are really proud of Oxfam because Oxfam helped us women a lot to support our children. We’re really grateful to Oxfam because we’re now really well informed about health issues.” “My great hope is that my baby recovers, grows, studies, and gets a decent job.”
Oxfam are fighting malnutricion by installing water and sanitation facilities in clincs and communities and by promoting health and hygiene.
We can help too, by giving a regular donation we can help people like Salama and Hama have clean water and help provide facilities to stop the spread of malaria, cholera and dysentery.
Community health worker (‘Relay’ volunteer trained by Oxfam)Azara Mohammed (black head scarf) “You should clean your hands properly before giving food to the baby. You must wash your hands. When you don’t have soap, you should use ash. Ensure your hands are clean before you give birth, because of the health of you child, and for the health of you the mother.”Oxfam Distribution and Sensitization Sessions at Azel Treatment Centre, Agadez Region, Niger, March 2015.
What a Regular Donation Can Do
£1 a day can provide clean water to new mums and babies.
£5 can provide soap to help mums protect their babies from life-threatening diseases like diarrhoea.
£16 can provide new baby care for mums and babies so more young families can call on fully trained doctors, midwives or birth attendants – no matter where they live
This is not a sponsored post, nor am I being told what to write, I have quoted some of the information given but my views being a mother and supporter of life means that this is close to my heart and as such feel we have an obligation to do something to help!
To donate please visit Oxfam.org/donate please!
